Villa: There was no Messi issue

David Villa has once more stated he had no issue with Lionel Messi whilst at Barcelona, as he reflects on how he developed as a player at the Camp Nou.

The 31-year-old ended a three-year stint with the Catalans this summer to complete a transfer to Atletico Madrid, leaving on the back of a season with Barca that saw scrutiny on some on-pitch arguments between himself and Messi.

“I have always gotten along well with all the teammates that I have had,” Villa has once more countered, this week on Al Primer Toque.

“I am sure there are pictures of me on other teams arguing about something with a teammate. These are images that I do not like but are part of football.

“It is too bad for his injury and for a footballer it is the worst thing, having to fight against an injury.”

The striker mused on his time at Barcelona and revealed how he’d previously come close to leaving Valencia in 2009.

“I’ve been pretty close to signing for several teams through my career since leaving Sporting. The summer of 2009 I was very close to signing for Real Madrid as well as Barcelona.

“With Pep Guardiola I learned things to work at Barcelona that I did not have in my game.

“For example, I had always been a pure No 9 with little defensive work. With Guardiola, I learned to combine, to play on the wing and to do things that helped me to be a different player and allow me to play in another position.”

Villa is currently part of the Atletico Madrid side that is second in La Liga only three points behind unbeaten Barca.

“Atletico Madrid today are an example not only in Spain but also in Europe. They have exceeded all my expectations.”

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